KID GIDDY GNOME SWAP

I started this year determined not join any more swaps, but then Kerry (of Kid Giddy) told me about this crazy idea for a gnome swap and I just knew my goose was cooked. The sign up’s for the swap are open now and the beauty of the swap is that all you have to do is make something gnome themed. This means you can make a mini quilt, a tote, a pin cushion, an apron, an ornament or whatever your heart (or partner) desires.

To help convince and inspire you I’ve collated some gnome inspired patterns and goodies. To quote @sewshimmery “Resistance is futile”!

Gnome Paper Pieced Patterns

A: Gnome Doll by Kid Giddy B: Mr Gnome by Artisania C: Gnome by Bubblestitch D: Gnome by Quiet Play

These gnome patterns are a great way to custom make your own gnome to add to a mini, or an apron, or a tote or anything you can think of really. If you’re looking for quilt-spiration check out this amazing gnome (with hedgehogs and mushrooms) quilt on Flickr.

Gnome Fabrics

L-R: Gnome Sweet Gnome at Hawthorne Threads, Gnome Living at Fat Quarter Shop, Fairyville Gnomes at Fabricworm and  Gnomeville at Fabric.com.

You can get some really cute gnome fabrics on the market at the moment. If you’re looking for something a little different there’s always Spoonflower, but the quality of the print doesn’t compare (yet) to that of fabric manufacturers, so I’ve got some cute fabrics you can buy from some great online stores. Remember to also check out Etsy for some out of print fabrics (like Heather Ross).

Gnome-spiration

Top to bottom by column: Rainbow Gnomes Illustration Print, Set of 2 Gnome Pillows, Up to Gnome Good Print, Brooch Garden Gnome (check out this persons store, it’s full of gnome goodness!), Wooden Gnomes and Rainbow, Gnome Birthday Card, Lil’ Gnomes post earrings, Gnome Postcard Pack, Magenta Gnome Statue, Eco Red Mushroom Lunch Bag.

You’d be surprised how many gnome themed items there are out there in the world, all you have to do is look. I found all of these fabulous items on Etsy (just search gnome). (I’m quite partial to the rainbow gnome print… do you think I could ask the Birthday Fairy for it so I could hang it in my sewing room?) Over the years I’ve found heaps of cool gnome things while out and about, usually at one of those funky little gift stores that just seem to stock everything cool.

If you’d still like to see more gnome-spiration why not check out my pinterest board that’s all about gnome. (Click here to see it.)

Tips on Swapping

The Kid Giddy Gnome Swap is a little bit different to other instagram swaps that are happening at the moment because it’s all about making something with a gnome theme. So you could make anything from a mini quilt (no side greater than 20″), a pin cushion, a tote, an apron, a cushion cover, a toy, an ornament – whatever you can think of that you can get a gnome on there somewhere.

Given that it’s a postal based swap (meaning you have to post your items) some items for inclusion that lay flat are always great ways of keeping the bulk of your parcel down and to help with weight. So keep an eye out in stationery stores, department stores and gift shops for flat items like cards, prints, post it notes, writing pads, etc.

Sign Up Now!

So, what are you waiting for? Pop on over to Kid Giddy and sign up and who knows maybe you’ll be getting some gnome goodness from ME!